Royal Navy Strikes French Battleships in Algeria
July 3rd, 1940
July 3rd, 1940

How Long Ago?
84 years, 8 months, 12 days ago
Location
Mers-el-Kebir, Algeria
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Admiral James Somerville
- Admiral Jean Rose
Links & References
Tags
Royal Navy Strikes French Battleships in Algeria
In an effort to prevent the French naval forces from falling into German hands, the Royal Navy launched an attack on the French battleships stationed in Algeria. This confrontation resulted in the sinking of one battleship, substantial damage to two others, while a fourth managed to escape back to France. The operation took place amidst growing tensions in Europe as World War II intensified, showcasing the urgent strategic calculations being made by Britain.
British forces attacked the French fleet in Algeria.
One French battleship was sunk during the engagement.
Tensions between Britain and France escalated post-attacks.
The event highlighted naval strategy in World War II.
What Happened?
The Royal Navy was increasingly concerned about the potential for French naval assets to fall under German control following the rapid German victories in France. In a decisive move to counter this risk, Britain launched a surprise attack on a French naval squadron located in Mers-el-Kebir, Algeria, where four significant battleships were stationed. On July 3, 1940, British naval forces arrived, aiming to prevent these vessels from being commandeered by the German Kriegsmarine. The attack occurred during a critical phase of World War II when the Axis powers were gaining momentum. The British forces, under the command of Admiral James Somerville, engaged the French fleet in a bold strike that prompted swift retaliation. During the skirmish, one battleship, the Bretagne, was sunk, while two other battleships, the Dunkerque and the Strasbourg, sustained damage. Only the battleship Provence managed to escape back to France, avoiding capture. The operation was a strong demonstration of Britain's commitment to maintaining naval superiority and the lengths it was willing to go to thwart Axis ambitions. The naval clash not only highlighted the immediate priorities of the Allies but also reflected the broader consequences of the shifting alliances—where former allies were now potential enemies. The attack intensified the strain between Britain and France, who had earlier been allies against Nazi Germany. It also set the stage for the ongoing battle over naval dominance in the Mediterranean theater. The British action, while militarily justifiable, had far-reaching diplomatic implications that affected post-war relationships among European nations.
Why Does it Matter?
This event is interesting as it exemplified the drastic measures that Britain took to secure its interests during World War II. The attack on the French fleet marked a significant point of no return in Anglo-French relations and showcased the intense military strategy that defined the early years of the conflict. The incident underscored the desperate nature of wartime alliances and helped shape naval strategies throughout the war.
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